New York City Mayor Eric Adams exits federal court after his arraignment on bribery and fraud charges on September 27, 2024 in New York City. Adams has been charged with five offenses: conspiracy to commit wire fraud, federal program bribery, solicitation of a contribution by a foreign national, wire fraud, and bribery. (Photo by John Lamparski/Getty Images)
OAN Staff James Meyers 12:02 PM – Friday, September 27, 2024
New York City Democrat Mayor Eric Adams pleaded not guilty to all of his indictment charges in Manhattan federal court on Friday. He was also ordered to refrain from speaking with alleged witnesses and companions in his case.
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Adams, the first-ever sitting New York City mayor to be indicted, could be seen staring ahead with a stone faced expression as the judge read off the allegations of wire fraud, conspiracy, and bribery allegations he is currently facing.
Adams has argued that this case has been brought against him ever since he criticized the Biden administration’s failed border policies and the disastrous influx of illegals coming into New York.
“I am not guilty, Your Honor,” Adams told Judge Katharine Parker.
Meanwhile, prosecutors have agreed to work with Adams’ lawyers regarding accommodations for him to speak with members of his family and staff who may know the detailed facts of the case, but nothing that involves the allegations.
In court, Parker mentioned, in a humiliating directive to Adams, “I’m obliged to warn you that if you fail to appear in court … a warrant will be issued for your arrest.’’
As the hearing ended, Adams stood up and offered a slight smile as he was escorted out of the busy courtroom by multiple U.S. marshals.
Soon after, Adams’ lawyer, Alex Spiro, spoke to reporters outside of the courtroom while asserting that the whole case is a complete fabrication.
“This case isn’t even a real case. This is the airline upgrade corruption case,” Spiro told reporters as a handful of supporters chanted “Free Eric!”
“The entire body of evidence is one staffer. One staffer that says there was a conversation. What you have not learned is that staffer has lied,” the lawyer claimed.
“It does not surprise us that they did not answer any questions at [Thursday’s] press conference — their little press conference the other day,” he said in a condescending tone.
Adams’ lawyer also said that he would file a motion on Wednesday to get the case dismissed. Meanwhile, the New York City mayor is set for court on Wednesday morning in order to attend a conference hearing.
“We expect these charges to be dismissed,” said Spiro, who has represented high-profile celebrities such as Jay-Z, Alec Baldwin, and Elon Musk.
Adams has pleaded not guilty to all five charges in the indictment: wire fraud, bribery, two counts of receiving campaign contributions from a foreign national, and conspiracy.
If Adams is convicted, he could face up to 40 years in prison.
The mayor has been accused of taking improper donations and gifts from Turkish officials and businessmen, which includes $123,000 in free, or heavily discounted, hotels and flights, dating back to his time as the Brooklyn borough president 10 years ago.
Prosecutors also alleged in the five-count indictment that he had obtained $10 million in public campaign funds. In exchange, Adams pressured city officials to force quick approvals for the Turkish Consulate in Manhattan, the court papers revealed.
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